The famous Rohtang route near Manali is finally preparing to welcome tourists once again after months of winter closure. Authorities have started the process of reopening the road up to Marhi, a popular snow point located on the way to Rohtang Pass. This update has brought excitement among travellers who visit Manali every year to enjoy snowfall, mountain views, and adventure activities.
For tourists planning a Himachal trip this summer, the reopening comes as great news. Families, honeymoon couples, bikers, and adventure lovers can once again experience the beauty of snow-covered mountains without waiting for the full reopening of Rohtang Pass. Hotels in Manali are already seeing a rise in bookings as travellers rush to plan their vacations.
Latest Update on the Rohtang Route
The district administration recently conducted a detailed inspection of the road stretch between Gulaba and Marhi before allowing tourist movement. Officials from the administration, police department, and Border Roads Organisation visited the route to check road safety, snow conditions, and traffic management arrangements. According to the inspection report, the road has been declared safe for controlled tourist travel.
A proposal has already been sent to higher authorities for final approval. Once official permission is issued, tourists with valid permits will be allowed to travel on the Rohtang route up to Marhi. However, the road beyond Marhi toward the Rohtang Pass summit will remain closed for now because snow clearance work is still ongoing in the higher sections.
Why Marhi Is So Popular Among Tourists
Marhi is one of the most famous tourist stops near Manali and becomes extremely crowded during the summer season. Located on the route toward Rohtang Pass, this beautiful destination offers tourists a chance to experience snow even when many other parts of India are dealing with hot temperatures. The area is surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan views, making it perfect for photography and sightseeing.
Tourists visiting Marhi enjoy activities like snow scooter rides, skiing, tubing, and snowball fights. Small roadside cafes and tea stalls add to the charm of the place, allowing visitors to relax while enjoying mountain scenery. For many travellers visiting Manali for the first time, Marhi becomes the highlight of the trip because it offers a complete snow experience without travelling too far.
Road Inspection and Safety Measures
Before reopening the Rohtang route, authorities carried out a proper inspection to ensure the safety of travellers. The inspection team included local administrative officers, police officials, and engineers from the Border Roads Organisation. They carefully checked road stability, snow conditions, and areas prone to landslides or avalanches.
Officials confirmed that the road up to Marhi is currently safe for tourist movement. However, certain restrictions will remain in place to avoid accidents and traffic issues. Authorities have also advised travellers to follow all guidelines, avoid risky zones, and cooperate with local officials during their journey.
Rohtang Route Permit Rules for Tourists
Tourists planning to travel on the Rohtang route must remember that permits are still compulsory for vehicles crossing Gulaba. Due to environmental concerns and National Green Tribunal guidelines, authorities have limited the number of vehicles allowed on the route every day. This rule helps control pollution and protects the fragile Himalayan environment.
As per the current rules, only 1,200 vehicles are allowed daily, including 800 petrol vehicles and 400 diesel vehicles. Permits are usually available online and can get sold out quickly during weekends and holidays. Travellers are advised to book permits in advance to avoid inconvenience during their trip.
How to Get a Rohtang Permit
Getting a Rohtang permit is now a simple online process, but travellers should complete it before starting their journey. Visitors usually need to provide their vehicle registration number, pollution certificate, valid ID proof, and travel details while applying for the permit. It is important to keep all documents ready before applying.
During peak tourist season, permit demand increases rapidly because thousands of tourists visit Manali every day. If you are travelling during weekends, long holidays, or summer vacations, applying early is highly recommended. Without a valid permit, vehicles may not be allowed to cross the checkpoint near Gulaba.
Best Time to Visit the Rohtang Route
The best time to visit the Rohtang route is usually between May and June when roads start reopening after heavy winter snowfall. During this period, tourists can enjoy fresh snow, pleasant weather, and beautiful mountain views. Summer months are especially popular among families and honeymoon couples visiting Himachal Pradesh.
Although the route remains attractive during monsoon months as well, rainfall can sometimes lead to landslides and traffic delays. Winter months often bring complete road closures due to heavy snowfall. For the best experience, travellers should plan their visit during late May or early June when weather conditions are safer and snow activities are available.
How the Atal Tunnel Changed Tourist Travel
The opening of the famous Atal Tunnel has completely changed travel patterns in Himachal Pradesh. Earlier, Rohtang Pass was the main attraction for tourists wanting to see snow near Manali. Now, many travellers directly use the tunnel to visit beautiful destinations in the Lahaul Valley such as Sissu, Koksar, and Keylong.
The Atal Tunnel has also helped reduce traffic congestion on the old Rohtang route, making journeys smoother for many visitors. Even though new destinations have become accessible, the traditional Rohtang road still remains one of the most scenic and exciting mountain drives in Himachal Pradesh.
Hotel Occupancy Rising in Manali
Tourism businesses in Manali have started seeing positive growth after the reopening announcement. Hotels, guesthouses, cafes, and local tour operators are receiving increased bookings as travellers plan summer vacations in the hills. According to tourism reports, hotel occupancy in Manali has already reached around 80 percent.
The reopening of the Rohtang route is expected to attract even more visitors in the coming weeks. Families looking for relief from summer heat and couples planning honeymoon trips are especially excited about the return of snow access near Manali. Travellers planning a trip should consider booking hotels early because prices may increase during peak season.
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Snow Activities Tourists Can Enjoy at Marhi
Marhi becomes a paradise for snow lovers once tourist access officially begins. Visitors can enjoy various adventure activities including skiing, snow scooter rides, snow tubing, and playing in fresh snow. Children especially love the playful atmosphere and snowy surroundings of the area.
Apart from adventure activities, Marhi is also famous for its scenic beauty and photography spots. Local vendors provide snow jackets, gloves, and boots on rent, making it convenient for tourists who are not carrying winter clothing. Travellers can spend hours enjoying the cool weather and mountain views while relaxing with hot tea and snacks.
Important Travel Tips for the Rohtang Route
Travelling on mountain roads requires preparation, especially when snow conditions are involved. Tourists visiting the Rohtang route should carry warm clothes such as jackets, gloves, woollen caps, and waterproof shoes because temperatures can drop suddenly even during summer months.
It is also advisable to start the journey early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic. Travellers should carry water bottles, snacks, and basic medicines because mountain travel can sometimes cause motion sickness or breathing discomfort. Checking weather forecasts before starting the trip is also important to avoid travel during bad weather conditions.
Road Conditions and Driving Tips
Driving on the Rohtang route can be challenging because mountain roads often include sharp turns, steep climbs, and slippery patches near snow areas. Drivers should maintain slow speed and avoid risky overtaking while travelling on the route. Safe driving becomes even more important during crowded tourist days.
Tourists unfamiliar with mountain driving may prefer hiring local taxi drivers who have experience navigating these roads. Visitors should also follow all instructions given by local police and avoid parking vehicles carelessly on narrow stretches because traffic jams can become serious during peak tourist season.
Environmental Rules Tourists Must Follow
The Rohtang region is environmentally sensitive, and authorities have become stricter about maintaining cleanliness and reducing pollution. Tourists are expected to avoid littering and should carry reusable water bottles or bags instead of throwing plastic waste in the mountains.
Responsible tourism is extremely important in fragile Himalayan areas. Visitors should respect local rules, avoid damaging snow areas, and cooperate with officials managing tourist movement. Following environmental guidelines helps protect the beauty of the region for future travellers.
Nearby Places You Can Visit Along the Route
Tourists visiting the Rohtang route can also explore several beautiful attractions near Manali. Solang Valley is one of the most popular nearby destinations known for paragliding, ropeway rides, ATV adventures, and snow activities during winter months.
Beyond the Atal Tunnel, places like Sissu and Koksar have become favourite tourist spots because of their waterfalls, scenic roads, mountain cafes, and snow-covered landscapes. These destinations offer a peaceful experience away from heavy crowds and are perfect for photography lovers.
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Is Rohtang Pass Fully Open Yet?
At present, the full Rohtang Pass route is not completely open for tourists. Authorities are currently preparing to allow tourist movement only up to Marhi while snow clearance work continues on higher sections near the pass summit.
The Border Roads Organisation is actively working to remove heavy snow from the remaining stretch. Full reopening will depend on weather conditions and road safety checks. Travellers should continue checking official updates before planning a complete Rohtang Pass journey.
Why Tourists Love the Rohtang Route
The Rohtang route is considered one of the most beautiful road trips in Himachal Pradesh because of its breathtaking Himalayan scenery and thrilling mountain drive. Snow-covered peaks, winding roads, waterfalls, and cool weather create an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Tourists also love the route because it offers adventure, photography opportunities, and a chance to enjoy snow during summer months. For many travellers visiting Manali, a trip toward Rohtang becomes the most memorable part of the vacation.
Final Thoughts
The reopening of the Rohtang route up to Marhi is wonderful news for tourists planning a Manali trip this season. Travellers can once again enjoy snow activities, scenic mountain landscapes, and cool weather after months of winter closure. The reopening is expected to bring a major tourism boost to Manali and nearby destinations.
Although the complete Rohtang Pass route is still awaiting final clearance, access to Marhi itself offers a fantastic snow experience for families, couples, and adventure lovers. Travellers should plan responsibly, book permits early, and follow all safety guidelines to enjoy a smooth and memorable Himalayan journey.
